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The College of Physicians and Surgeons investigated Heartwell and decided in May, 2011, to caution her, but not refer her to the college’s disciplinary committee.

Laurie Johnston had a mastectomy performed by Heartwell, who admitted she misread the results of a needle biopsy that found Johnston did not have cancer, and she appealed the college’s decision to another regulatory body.

The Health Professions Appeal and Review Board in May ordered the college to reconsider its decision since it did not appear that previous complaints against Heartwell were considered.

The college has now completed its reconsideration and has once again decided not to discipline Heartwell.

Outcomes of investigations against doctors in Ontario are not publicly released unless the case is referred to the discipline committee.

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